A hands-on experience

Here’s an opportunity for those thinking about purchasing a new camera or lens. Northern California Mike’s Camera stores are holding their Lens and Camera Demo Day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

At the event, held at the Sacramento Zoo, you’ll get to try out cameras, lenses and accessories from several different manufacturers. Mike’s staff members will also be on hand to give you photo tips and answer your questions on how to use the equipment.

The zoo should provide lots of photo opportunities to get some great photos and allow you to see how the equipment handles. When evaluating a new piece of gear see how it feels in your hands. Is it too big or not big enough? Are the controls intuitive in their use? Does the lens focus quickly and accurately? Is the tripod sturdy and easy to use?

The use of the equipment is free, but you’ll need a valid credit card and driver’s license to test drive the gear. The checking out of the equipment is on a first come, first served basis, so try to get there as early as possible.

Gear is loaned out in 1-hour increments, if there isn’t a line for the piece that you checked out, you may renew for another hour, if you like. All gear must be turned back in at 4:30 p.m.

The pictures you take with a checked out camera are yours to keep. Just bring a SD or compact flash card to use in the camera. If you forget to bring a memory card, you can borrow one from Mike’s. A CD containing all your pictures will be downloaded then burned on a CD for you to take home.

The Sacramento Zoo is located at Land Park drive and 16th Street in Sacramento (Just off of Sutterville Road, east of I-5). There is no registration fee but admission to the zoo still applies. Once inside, look for the Mike’s Camera tent.

So if you’re looking to move up from a smartphone or point and shoot camera to a DSLR or switching brands or thinking about a new telephoto lens, this event will give you some practical experience with some new equipment.

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Blog Author

Clifford Oto

Clifford Oto, an award-winning photographer, has been with The Record since 1984. Through the changes from black and white to digital photography, he’s kept his focus on covering the events, people and life of San Joaquin county. This blog deals ... Read Full